Wireless Power Transmission Device for Solar Energy Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar power generators face challenges due to low output voltage from solar cells, requiring numerous cells to be connected in series, leading to efficiency losses and increased costs, as well as difficulties in installation and maintenance, especially at high altitudes or within existing buildings.

Innovation Solution

A wireless power transmission unit utilizing magnetic resonant coupling with series and parallel resonant circuits to increase voltage efficiently, allowing for non-contact power transfer between antennas with a phase difference of 90 to 180 degrees, reducing the number of cells needed and simplifying installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If numerous solar cells are connected in series to increase output voltage, then voltage requirement is met, but system complexity and connection points increase leading to reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (wires and connection points) with a wireless power transmission system using magnetic resonant coupling. This eliminates the need for numerous series connections of solar cells, thereby maintaining high output voltage requirements while removing the reliability issues associated with multiple connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless power transmission unit as an intermediary between the solar cells and the power consumption device. This intermediary handles the voltage conversion and transmission wirelessly, allowing solar cells to operate in parallel (simplifying connections) while still delivering high voltage power to the load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If numerous solar cells are connected in series to increase output voltage, then voltage requirement is met, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power transmission system replaces the need for numerous series-connected cells with a configuration that uses fewer cells connected in parallel or series-parallel arrangements. The wireless transmission unit handles the voltage conversion, reducing the number of expensive solar cells and connection hardware needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If solar power generator is installed at high altitude or within existing buildings, then power generation capability is achieved, but installation difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power transmission system eliminates the need for complex wiring installations in difficult-to-reach locations. By transmitting power wirelessly through magnetic resonant coupling, the system can be installed on building walls or at elevated positions without requiring extensive electrical wiring work, thereby maintaining power generation capability while dramatically simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If wiring is installed to connect solar power generating section to electronic devices, then power transmission is achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wiring system with a wireless power transmission system using magnetic resonant coupling. This eliminates all associated wiring, connection points, and electrical infrastructure requirements, thereby achieving power transmission from the solar generating section to electronic devices while completely removing installation complexity related to wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Productivity

If modules and cables are used for power transmission, then power can be transmitted, but maintenance cost increases due to deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power transmission system replaces physical modules and cables with electromagnetic field-based power transfer. This eliminates components that are subject to physical deterioration, corrosion, and wear, thereby maintaining reliable power transmission while eliminating maintenance costs associated with replacing deteriorated wiring and connection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly increases voltage transmission efficiency, reduces the number of solar cells required, minimizes electromagnetic leakage, and facilitates easier installation and maintenance, while providing stable power supply even under partial shading conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitting antenna that transmits the RF energy and includes a first inductor and a first capacitor that are connected together in series to form a series resonant circuit with a resonant frequency fT; and a power receiving antenna that receives, by coupling a resonant magnetic field, at least a part of the RF energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonant coupling: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a first inductor and a first capacitor that are connected together in series to form a series resonant circuit with a resonant frequency fT; and a second inductor and a second capacitor that are connected in parallel with each other to form a parallel resonant circuit with a resonant frequency fR

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2482426B1Wireless power transmission device, and power generation device provided with wireless power transmission device
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2482426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2482426B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2482426B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless power transmission unit includes oscillators that convert DC energy into RF energy with a frequency f0, power transmitting antennas that transmit the RF energy, and power receiving antennas that receive at least a part of the RF energy transmitted by the power transmitting antennas. The energies received by the power receiving antennas are combined in parallel with each other and then the combined energy is output. Each power transmitting antenna is a series resonant circuit in which a power transmitting inductor and a first capacitor are connected in series. Each power receiving antenna is a parallel resonant circuit in which a power receiving inductor and a second capacitor are connected in parallel. If the oscillator has a voltage step-up ratio Voc, the power transmitting inductor has an inductance L1, the power receiving inductor has an inductance L2, and the power transmitting and power receiving antennas and have a coupling coefficient k, (L2/L1)≧4(k/Voc)2 is satisfied. The absolute value of the phase difference θres between the respective resonant magnetic fields of first and second pairs of resonant antennas is set to fall within the range of 90 to 180 degrees.